Being a student athlete not only makes you a stronger person physically but also mentally. As a student athlete, we do the impossible, we manage a full-time job (our sport), school, a social life and all the other responsibilities that come with being a college student. While managing all of our normal responsibilities, taking on a sport helps us to become more determined in every aspect of our lives. Needless to say, it's certainly not easy. Once you reach the college level sports become a business and is the closest thing to a full-time job that I've ever known. Being a student athlete is one big learning experience, from the morals and wisdom you receive from your coaches to the bigger picture of you as a person experiencing self-growth. So here's to all of my fellow student athlete's, and the things we all know to be true:
1. Time Management
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Dear average college student, oh you have homework, studying, papers and Greek life — try doing all that while being a student athlete. Add practice (sometimes two a day) morning workouts and games to the mix! Good luck! Sincerely, a student athlete. Rant over. Time management is a skill we've all acquired and without it we would crash and burn.
2. Commitment and Dedication
Your sport is your life. If you've made it this far to the college level. Congratulations because I know all the hard work you've put in to make it here, and I know how hard it truly is. Something sports teach us is obviously commitment and dedication. Your sport is your job. You don't just play college sports you literally dedicate your life to college sports, and with commitment comes success.
3. Teamwork
Everyone knows that without teamwork you probably wouldn't be able to do what you do. A team is one unbreakable bond, and at the end of the day we all have to work together to get the job done.
4. Keep on keeping on.
Im not gonna tell you it's easy because we all know it's not. So a big lesson we've all learned is to just keep going. Yes waking up early for workouts, having late practices and games and all the other things that come along with it may almost kill you at times but at the end of the day what doesn't kill you really does make you stronger. Student athletes do the impossible.
5. Practice becomes your escape.
*Cue Gwen Stefani song.*
You know you're in the right place and doing the right thing when you can look at practice as an escape from the real world. If school is getting the best of you and you want to have a mental breakdown, practice will only help you get that anger out. You ultimately end up spending more time with your teammates than anyone else so once you step foot in that gym or on that field all your other worries should go away.
6. Priorities
As a student athlete, you will at some point be asking yourself this question and I can guarantee more than once, what's worth more going out or winning? Probably one of the biggest aspects is learning to put your team before yourself. Yes, you might have the worst case of FOMO but just know that getting your priorities straight benefits yourself and your team.
7.Workouts are your friend.
No matter the tears, or sweat or sore muscles, we all have learned that our morning workouts are actually the biggest blessing. Growing stronger physically is a huge part of being a student athlete, and yes, I know waking up at the crack of dawn totally sucks but looking at the bigger picture, it's only going to benefit us all in the long run.
8. At the end of the day it's all you.
Your team pushed you at practice and games, but once you leave that gym or field it's all you. You have to still get your work done, you still have to practice on your own to make yourself better. Yes, you are apart of a team but a team is only as strong as its weakest link. You have to take care of yourself and make yourself better for your team.
9. Opportunity![]()
Being a student athlete in college means tons of opportunities. Your coaches probably give you and your teammates the ability to participate in service, appearances and fundraisers. All of these ultimately help you and your teammates grow as people.
10. Your team is your family.
You practice as a family, you win as a family and you lose as a family. In college, your parents aren't there to hold your hand or give you a shoulder to cry on through every ache or pain or every homework assignment. You have your team now they are your family.
